A is charged with habitually buying a slave. Prosecution proves the case against A beyond all reasonable doubts. The trial court passes an order convicting accused A of ‘life imprisonment. Can the trial court punish the…

Question: A is charged with habitually buying a slave. Prosecution proves the case against A beyond all reasonable doubts. The trial court passes an order convicting accused A of ‘life imprisonment. Can the trial court punish the accused with imprisonment for life? Give reasons and also mention relevant provisions under I.P.C., if any?

Find the answer to the mains question only on Legal Bites. [A is charged with habitually buying a slave. Prosecution proves the case against A beyond all reasonable doubts. The trial court passes an order convicting accused A of ‘life imprisonment. Can the trial court punish the…]

Answer

Section 371 provides punishment for the habitual slave traders. It states whoever habitually imports, exports, removes, buys, sells, traffics or deals in slaves, shall be punished with imprisonment for life, or with imprisonment of either description for a term not exceeding ten years, and shall also be liable to fine.

The offence under Section 371 is cognizable, non-bailable and non-compoundable, and is triable by the Court of Session. The offence is very serious as is apparent from the severe penalty prescribed.

The maximum punishment for the offence of habitual slave traders is life imprisonment so yes in the present case, the trial court is competent to punish the accused with imprisonment for life.

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